Lineker’s tribute as ‘boyhood hero’ dies aged 72
WAS, to quote one of his former managers, “a working man’s George Best”.
But to supporters from his former clubs, Frank Worthington was revered as arguably the first rock ’n’ roll footballer.
Stars past and present paid tribute to him yesterday after his death at 72 after a long illness.
Gary Lineker led the tributes to his “boyhood hero”.
Worthington represented more than 20 clubs in a long playing career that began with Huddersfield Town in 1966, and which included Leicester City and Leeds United.
“Profoundly saddened to hear that Frank Worthington has died,” tweeted former Leicester striker Lineker. “He was my boyhood hero when he was at Leicester City.”
Worthington’s wife Carol paid tribute to the much-loved football showman, who died in hospital in Huddersfield.
Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and private life. Frank Worthington’s wife, Carol.
“Frank brought joy to so many people throughout his career and in his private life,” Carol Worthington said.
Once described by former Huddersfield manager Ian Greaves as “the working man’s George Best”, Worthington played in 22 consecutive seasons and won eight England caps. Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist, who partnered Worthington up front at Sunderland in the 1982-83 season, believes his former team-mate should have earned far more England caps.
“Make no mistake about it, Frank Worthington should have 40, 50 caps,” McCoist said. Huddersfield Town tweeted: “Everyone at #htafc is devastated to hear of the passing of Town legend Frank Worthington.”
The England team also tweeted condolences.